RCMP's Major Crimes Unit takes over university assaults case after third attack

Shelley Jordan

October 21, 2013 - 7:29 PM

VANCOUVER - The RCMP's Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation into a series of late-night assaults against female students at the University of British Columbia.

The third attack in three weeks involved a man grabbing the woman from behind, ripping her nylons and punching her in the face as she walked to her residence.

Sgt. Drew Grainger of the RCMP's university detachment says police have met with UBC administrators, officials from campus security and student housing to discuss ways to increase safety at the campus.

He says the university may install more lighting and video cameras and that posters with safety tips have been placed at residences where safety meetings have been held.

Louise Cowin, vice-president of students, says the university is doing everything it can to get out the message that students should not be walking alone late at night.

The assaults took place between midnight and 3:30 a.m., and the women have described the suspect as wearing a dark hoodie and being in his late 20s.

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